11 Professors Students Love
At Carthage, some of your most meaningful relationships will be with the people who push you hardest. Here are 11 professors students say challenged their thinking, opened their minds, and changed their lives.
1. Laura Huaracha, Comunication and Ditigal Media
“Professor Laura Huaracha has had an impact on my Carthage graphic design career from the very beginning of my time here. After she interviewed me and observed my portfolio, she awarded me the Communication and Digital Media Scholarship that confirmed my attendance at Carthage. She motivated me to dig deeper into my graphic design experience and creativity and gave me helpful critiques.” — Brittany Lee ’21, graphic design major
2. John Kirk, Chemistry
“Professor John Kirk has also had an impact on my life. I started my research with him through the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), and he gave me lots of advice. I look up to him as a mentor and appreciate everything he does for his students” — Yann Astter ’21, chemistry major
3. Jean Quashnock (Dr. Q), Physics
“I have appreciated so many of the professors during my time at Carthage. The most recent would be Professor Jean Quashnock. I took his personal finance class for J-Term and I still use the information he gave me to this day! I’m able to save more money than I ever thought was possible.” — Shawnel Smith ’18, management and marketing major
4. Joy Mast, Geospatial Science
“Senior Seminar in Geospatial Science with Professor Joy Mast has been my toughest class so far. Working on a project for an extended period of time can become tiring, but I always had Prof. Mast’s support. With her feedback, I was able to create something I was truly proud of.” — Julia Karpinski ’20, geoscience and geographic information science major
5. Erlan Wheeler, Mathematics and Computer Science
“My toughest classes at Carthage have been with Professor Erlan Wheeler. I was definitely a rookie when it came to computers at the time and how to program. Prof. Wheeler taught a very demanding class, but I think that is what helped me focus on the course and do well in it.” — Conner Plagge ’21, geographic information science and geoscience major
6. Fatih Harpci, Religion
“Professor Fatih Harpci, my Islam professor, prepared trips that illuminated the culture and traditions of Islam. Furthermore, the real-life implications and personal experiences that he shared made the class feel more personal and engaging. His guidance to me so far has allowed me to have clearer ideas for my future.” — Alenxandre Lacro ’22, athletic training major
7. Corinne Ness, Music
“Professor Corine Ness was the first professor I met, she means more than a professor to me. She gives me so much help and support, and suggestions to help me find myself. Even though I’m so far away from my home country, she makes me feel warm! I love her and appreciate her more than words can express!” — Ruiqing Zhu ’22, music theatre major
8. Perry Kivolowitz, Computer Science
“The toughest class I have taken at Carthage was computer science I and II. I took the two classes my freshman year with very little background in the subject so it was definitely a challenge. But Prof. Kivolowitz helped me with every step, and now I have a minor in data science.” — Kathleen Cochran ’21, geographical information science and geoscience major
9. Alyson Kiesel, English
“One professor that really impacted my life was Professor Alyson Kiesel. The thing that stuck out to me about her was that she cared about her students inside and outside of the classroom. My favorite example of this was when we met together for a paper conference. After we went through my paper, she put her pen down and asked how the first few weeks of college had been. This really made me feel like I was valued.” — David Budzisz ’23, management and marketing major
10. Wenjie Sun, geospatial science, computer science, and Asian studies
“Professor Wenjie Sun inspired me to work more in GIS, and eventually add a geoscience major. I feel like I have learned from the best, and she has really pushed me to my full potential in GIS work through classes and my thesis.” — Sage O’Brian ’20, geoscience and environmental science major
11. Rick Matthews, Sociology and Criminal Justice
“Professor Rick Matthews, my advisor and the department chair, has had a huge impact on my academic path. In an education system that rewards test scores and grades, Prof. Matthews rewards engagement and thoughtful learning. His teaching philosophy is refreshing and powerful and he is a huge reason why I changed my major to sociology. He also chooses not to own a cell phone and studies and trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, if that tells you how cool he is.” — Katherine Cullinan ’20, sociology major
